June 26, 2006

Our six-week Artisan Program students were introduced to the applications, making and installation of knife hinges. Ian also gave our Artisan students a half day session on sketching and design. Our resident craftsman offer students another perspective and broad knowledge base.

Federico, one of our resident craftsman shared with students his passion for wood and his interest in parquetry. Our students benefit a great deal from our resident craftsman. Federico brought a half log he found on the beach to the school where it was split. Robert is using a portion of the spalted maple for a commission. The rest of the piece will be made of local cherry.

Our mechanical veneer press has been a side project for Gary and Robert during the final months of the craftsman program. Now complete students will have the opportunity to learn another method for pressing veneer.

Jim and Owen display their tulip wood scraper planes. Just a few of many tools made throughout their time at the school.

On Wednesday of this week we said farewell to one of our graduating craftsman and dear friends. Students, past and present, family and friends gathered at our favorite beach and enjoyed each others company. Michael has been with the school since its inception and will be sorely missed. Michael and Julie Mulrooney are relocating to Twain Harte, California to be closer to family where Michael intends to set up a shop and begin independent work. We look forward to Michael's return we he takes part in our journeyman program at the school.

Our Artisan Program students took full advantage of the ample extra hour made available to them at the school. As a result drawer making and fitting was added during the last week. We are pleased that Jim Budlong, who was one of Robert's teachers while at the College of the Redwoods will be joining us for a full week of drawer making and fitting August 14-18. With limited space available, don't miss this opportunity to learn this important aspect of our craft by one of the finest craftsman and teachers today. Call our toll free number (877) 943-9663.

Jim, from Germany displays four of the planes made during his six weeks at the school. Jim's family joined him for his last week at the school and took advantage of the wonderful weather and scenery here on the Sunshine Coast.

Families contribute a great deal to the warm and relaxed atmosphere here at the school. From left: back row: Stephen, Owen, Robert, Jim & Ian. Back row: Tadi (Robert's daughter), Francis & Lucas (Jim's children)